Wakulla: A Florida Favorite For Our Full Time Family

Wakulla has become a favorite destination for us while exploring Florida in our fifth wheel. Unlike typical touristy beach towns, it offers a rural, slow-paced lifestyle. Located in the panhandle, Wakulla boasts one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs and includes the expansive Apalachicola National Forest. 

Join us on our full-time RV adventure as we explore wonderful Wakulla!

Newport County Park

We stayed at Newport County Park for $30/night with full hookups and a pull through site. It was a small park, but a great location, right of the highway and across from a wildlife refuge area.

Saint Marks Wildlife Refuge

With over 70,000 acres along the Gulf shore, this area is a stunning place to explore. We saw many different birds including a flamingo, jumping fish, river otters, and an alligator!

If you keep an eye out, you might also spot deer, black bears, and bobcats. One of our favorite activities was walking to St. Marks Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Florida.

Bald Point State Park

We walked several coastal trails in this state park, marveling at the diverse landscape of marshes, pine trees, oaks, and sandy beaches. This is a beautiful place to visit during sunrise or sunset.

Wakulla Springs State Park

Ever see Creature from the Black Lagoon? It was filmed here.This was my favorite place in the area. The historic lodge is absolutely stunning—a place I would love to stay one day, complete with an ice cream shop and restaurant. 

The freshwater spring is breathtaking with its clarity and different shades of blue and green. The efforts Florida has made to preserve the spring, ensuring it remains mostly untouched by humans, are truly incredible. 

A boat tour is a must! We spotted so many gators and learned a lot about them, such as how they are defensive and opportunistic. They generally mind their own business unless you mess with their babies, then the mama gator goes crazy, protecting her young from humans and even male gators with her life. I fear them less and respect them more now. 

After your tour, take a stroll through the trails; we spotted a few deer along the way.

Tallahassee Museum

We had to venture about 30 minutes into Tallahassee because Scott had an ear problem and needed to see a doctor. While there, we decided to check out a local museum and we loved it!

We saw bears, deer, wolves, otters, panthers, foxes, and much more. They had historical homes, churches, schools, and a train to explore. I was pleasantly surprised and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Overall Experience

I absolutely adored our time here. We met a colorful character named Rene at our campground, who used to give tours in New Orleans and shared his many ghost stories and adventures over a campfire. 

During our travels, we've met people from all walks of life—families, retired couples, single parents, widows, widowers, artists, military men and women, and more. 

The conversations and learning experiences our kids (and us) have had are incredible. Our minds have been opened to think outside the box. Our kids can hold conversations with people young and old, rich and poor, funny and serious, and it’s great—I love it! When we surrender to God, His plans for our lives are beyond anything we could have imagined.

Living outside the box means not being afraid to live differently.

Bible Verse

James 4:13-15 (NIV)

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

Reflection

In a world that often pulls us toward future plans and material pursuits, it's easy to lose sight of the deeper purpose God has for us. 

When we prioritize being in God’s will, we open ourselves to His best guidance and unexpected blessings. 

His plans are always richer and more fulfilling than our own, reminding us to stay open and available for His incredible journey in our lives. 

I have found that God’s plans are always better than my dreams and the unknown is where His miracles happen. As hard as it is, embrace the unknown. 

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I commit my way to You. I trust in You completely. Guide my steps and fulfill Your purposes in my life.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

• Enjoyed this post? Subscribe now for more insightful content.